Calgary Flood: Productivity Losses Loom After Office Towers Evacuated

Some of the energy companies headquartered in downtown Calgary could see productivity losses after being forced out of their offices by severe flooding, but the good news is that oil and gas production are largely unaffected, analysts said Friday.

"These downtown offices are centrepoints for planning," said Brian Pow, vice-president of research at Acumen Capital Partners Ltd.

"When you don't have minds congregated, because they're not all in the office, that's where you're losing productivity."

And, although it's a "major inconvenience," the evacuations are unlikely to have a huge impact on oil and gas producers' bottom lines, added Todd Hirsch, an analyst at ATB Financial.

"Corporate Calgary is very good at working remotely," said Hirsch.

"That's why we all have these smartphones and email and remote servers, so that when these disruptions happen, at least the bare bones of business can still happen."

Employees were still able to work remotely, although many companies said they were focusing only on the most essential business activities.

Encana Corp. (TSX:ECA) asked employees to work from home Tuesday and said it will do the same Wednesday as the office will remain closed.

"We are encouraging people, if they are capable, to work from home, but in our instructions to employees number one is, ensure the safety and security of your family and your property and yourself," said spokesman Jay Averill.

Encana said only two of its gas well sites, located southeast of Calgary, have been impacted by flooding.

"Outside of Calgary we've had almost zero impact," said Averill.

Talisman Energy (TSX:TLM) said a small number of employees who are engaged in "critical" business activities, such as those supporting exploration and production, were given access to the company's offices, as some parts of the city have been reopened.

The head office of Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) in Calgary was also closed Monday as the company grappled with a spill from its Line 37 pipeline in northern Alberta, possibly as a result of shifting ground due to unusually heavy rains.

Suncor Energy said late Monday that it has temporarily reduced production from its Fort McMurray oilsand operations as a result of the precautionary shutdown of the Enbridge pipeline system within the Fort McMurray region.

"We're using our existing storage capacity, as well as moving volume on our oilsands pipeline, to mitigate the impact while we work with Enbridge to facilitate safely bringing the pipelines back into operation," said president and CEO Steve Williams.

"At this time, Suncor does not anticipate an impact on its ability to meet annual production guidance," the company added.

Hirsch, meanwhile, said the impacts of the flooding will be felt most in the tourism industry and in small businesses, said Hirsch.

"Mother nature is undiscerning about these things, but this came at a really, really bad time because in the next 10 days Alberta is heading into its largest tourist draw of the year, and that is the Calgary Stampede," he said.

Although the event will still take place, Hirsch said the number of tourists flocking to the area and the amount of money they spend will be lower than in other years.

Meanwhile, sectors involved in rebuilding the city, such as construction and renovation companies, are likely to see a boost, said Pow.

"There are whole neighbourhoods that have to be rebuilt," he said. "House builders and renovation experts are going to have a heyday for the next number of years."

But, Pow added, paying for all those renovations will mean dipping into savings or taking on loans.

Although most analysts and insurance companies said it was too soon to estimate the cost of repairing the damages, a preliminary report from BMO analyst Tom MacKinnon said it could be in the realm of $3 billion to $5 billion.

MacKinnon said he arrived at that figure by multiplying $500-million by 10, after reading Hirsch's comments that the price tag could be 10 times higher than that of the flood that occurred in the area in 2005.

Hirsch cautioned that his estimate was not a scientific one.

"I wouldn't be surprised if in fact that is the number at the end of the day, but I'm basing that on nothing else than just the scale of magnitude of how much larger this flood is than 2005," said Hirsch.

"There's no possible way anyone can really quantify with much sense of logic at this point — it's still way too early."

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Homeowner Eddy Marshall becomes emotional as he surveys the damage to his basement at his residence in High River, Alberta on Monday, July 1, 2013. A second wave of homeowners and business owners were allowed to return to the flood ravaged town since the disaster struck on June 20. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jordan Verlage

Mike Sojer moves clothing and items from his family's clothing store as clean up work commences on downtown places of business in High River, Alberta on July 1, 2013. A second wave of homeowners and business owners were allowed to return to the flood ravaged town since the disaster struck on June 20. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jordan Verlage

A resident walks past a motor boat lying in the street in High River, Alberta on Monday, July 1, 2013. A second wave of homeowners and business owners were allowed to return to the flood ravaged town since the disaster struck on June 20. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jordan Verlage

Homeowner Eddy Marshall carries belonging from his basement at his residence in High River, Alberta on Monday, July 1, 2013. A second wave of homeowners and business owners were allowed to return to the flood ravaged town since the disaster struck on June 20.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jordan Verlage

Mud and building contents litter the sidewalk as clean up work commences on downtown places of business in High River, Alberta on Monday, July 1, 2013. A second wave of homeowners and business owners were allowed to return to the flood ravaged town since the disaster struck on June 20. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jordan Verlage

A pile of debris sits outside a Town of High River Municipal building as clean up work commences on downtown places of business in High River, Alberta on Monday, July 1, 2013. A second wave of homeowners and business owners were allowed to return to the flood ravaged town since the disaster struck on June 20. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jordan Verlage

A volunteer's boots are caked with mud as clean up work continues on downtown places of business in High River, Alberta on Monday, July 1, 2013. A second wave of homeowners and business owners were allowed to return to the flood ravaged town since the disaster struck on June 20. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jordan Verlage

Water surrounds homes in a flooded neighborhood in High River, Alberta, Canada on Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods over a week earlier. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

Water floods a neighborhood in High River, Alberta, Canada on Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods over a week earlier. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

A residents cleans up his home in High River, Alberta, Canada on Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods over a week earlier. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

Water floods a neighborhood in High River, Alberta, Canada on Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods over a week earlier. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

Waters flood a neighborhood in High River, Alberta, Canada on Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods more than a week ago. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

Heaps of damaged goods pile up on High River streets, as residents are finally allowed to return.

Resident Christine Doefel wipes away tears as she leaves a reception centre after getting entry permits and clean-up kits from the Red Cross in High River, Alta., Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods more than a week ago.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

A Red Cross volunteer helps residents as they leaves a reception centre after getting an entry permit and a clean-up kit from the Red Cross in High River, Alta., Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods more than a week ago.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Residents Christine Doefel, left, and her daughter Brooklynn Carney, embrace as the leave a reception centre after getting entry permits and clean-up kits from the Red Cross in High River, Alta., Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods more than a week ago.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Residents leave a reception centre after getting entry permits and clean-up kits from the Red Cross in High River, Alta., Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods more than a week ago.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Residents embrace as they leave a reception centre after getting an entry permit and a clean-up kit from the Red Cross in High River, Alta., Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods more than a week ago.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

A residents leaves a reception centre after getting an entry permit and a clean-up kit from the Red Cross in High River, Alta., Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods more than a week ago.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Residents leave a reception centre after get entry permits and clean-up kits from the Red Cross in High River, Alta., Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods more than a week ago.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Residents wait in line to get entry permits to the flooded town of High River, Alta., Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Alberta government is letting people who live in High River to return to their homes in stages after being forced out by floods more than a week ago. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Al Moore, a 42-year-resident of High River, listens to the radio broadcast on Friday, June 28, 2013 of the new re-entry plan for evacuees northwest of High River, Alberta. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jordan Verlage

The Calgary flood as seen from space.

The Calgary flood as seen from space compared with a before-and-after photo.

Cleanup continues on the Calgary Stampede grounds one week after major flooding in Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, June 27, 2013. The Elbow River flows by on to top and left, Saddledome is situated lower right and the chuckwagon track and rodeo grounds are top.

This photo provided by Transportation Safety Board shows a train with derailed tankers at the Bonny Brook bridge in Calgary, Alberta Canada on Thursday, June 27, 2013. The City of Calgary says conditions have stabilized at the site of the bridge collapse that caused six cars to derail and start sinking into the Bow River. Canadian Pacific Railway says five of the cars are carrying a petroleum product used to dilute raw oilsands bitumen. The city's acting fire chief has said crews are stringing a cable through the railcars and securing it to bulldozers on land. The industrial area near the bridge has been evacuated and booms are being deployed down river in case of any spills. There are no homes nearby, but several business are effected. (AP Photo/Transportation Safety Board via The Canadian Press)

Monica West carries damaged goods out of a souvenir shop as clean-up crews work at the Calgary Zoo in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. Heavy rains caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuations across Southern Alberta. Calgary Zoo staff risked their lives over the weekend to stop a hippo from escaping into the swollen Bow River. Director of animal care, conservation and research, Jake Veasey, says flood waters in the hippos' enclosure rose high enough during the floods for the dangerous herbivores to swim out. One hippo named Lobi was feeling particularly adventurous and was moving freely around the African Savannah building. Veasey had to break a window to get into the building and he swam in the muddy flood waters to find the animal. Zoo staff used cinder blocks and construction equipment to block Lobi inside the building. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

A muddied research book dries as clean-up crews work at the Calgary Zoo in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. Heavy rains caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuations across Southern Alberta. Calgary Zoo staff risked their lives over the weekend to stop a hippo from escaping into the swollen Bow River. Director of animal care, conservation and research, Jake Veasey, says flood waters in the hippos' enclosure rose high enough during the floods for the dangerous herbivores to swim out. One hippo named Lobi was feeling particularly adventurous and was moving freely around the African Savannah building. Veasey had to break a window to get into the building and he swam in the muddy flood waters to find the animal. Zoo staff used cinder blocks and construction equipment to block Lobi inside the building. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

A soldier walks by a pile of speedboats in High River, Alberta on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. High River was hit by a devastating flood on June 20 which caused a mass evacuation of the entire town although some residents chose to defy the order. Alberta's premier pledged $1 billion on Monday to help people recover from the floods. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jordan Verlage)

Clean-up crews work at the Calgary Zoo in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. Heavy rains caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuations across Southern Alberta. Calgary Zoo staff risked their lives over the weekend to stop a hippo from escaping into the swollen Bow River. Director of animal care, conservation and research, Jake Veasey, says flood waters in the hippos' enclosure rose high enough during the floods for the dangerous herbivores to swim out. One hippo named Lobi was feeling particularly adventurous and was moving freely around the African Savannah building. Veasey had to break a window to get into the building and he swam in the muddy flood waters to find the animal. Zoo staff used cinder blocks and construction equipment to block Lobi inside the building. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

Wreckage lies along Center Street in High River, Alberta on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. High River was hit by a devastating flood on June 20 which caused a mass evacuation of the entire town although some residents chose to defy the order. Alberta's premier pledged $1 billion on Monday to help people recover from the floods. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jordan Verlage)

Calgary firefighters check on homes as residents and volunteers are in clean up mode in the community of Bowness as most of the homes have been pumped out with still some remaining submerged in water in Calgary, Alberta, on Monday, June 24, 2013. Alberta's premier pledged $1 billion on Monday to help people recover from floods that devastated parts of the western Canadian province. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Calgary firefighters check on home as residents and volunteers are in clean up mode in the community of Bowness as most of the homes have been pumped out with still some remaining submerged in water in Calgary, Alberta on Monday, June 24, 2013. Alberta's premier pledged $1 billion on Monday to help people recover from floods that devastated parts of the western Canadian province. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

People watch as the river peaks, causing flooding in Medicine hat, Alta., on Monday, June 24, 2013. Officials in Medicine Hat said Monday they believe water levels on the South Saskatchewan River have peaked and that flooding won't be as severe as initially feared. Roughly 10,000 people were evacuated as the city of 60,000 prepared for the surge of water that swamped Calgary and surrounding areas last week. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Residents and volunteers are in clean up mode in the community of Bowness as most of the homes have been pumped out with still some remaining submerged in water in Calgary, Alberta on Monday, June 24, 2013. Alberta's premier pledged $1 billion on Monday to help people recover from floods that devastated parts of the western Canadian province. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Resident Lisa Nguyen, right, cleans of the mud from photographs and negatives as volunteer Jacinta Babbitt, left, shows a clean picture of Nguyen when she was younger during flood clean up in the community of Bowness in Calgary, Alberta on Monday, June 24, 2013. Alberta's premier pledged $1 billion on Monday to help people recover from floods that devastated parts of the western Canadian province. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Residents and volunteers are in flood clean up mode in the community of Bowness in Calgary, Alberta on Monday, June 24, 2013. Alberta's premier pledged $1 billion on Monday to help people recover from floods that devastated parts of the western Canadian province. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Daniel Boddy, nine, helps with the clean-up work as hose lines from pumps drain water from flooded basement in the Bridgeland neighborhood in Calgary, Alta., Sunday, June 23, 2013. Heavy rains caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuation across Southern Alberta.

Daniel Boddy, nine, helps with the clean-up work as hose lines from pumps drain water from flooded basement in the Bridgeland neighborhood in Calgary, Alta., Sunday, June 23, 2013. Heavy rains caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuation across Southern Alberta.

People place sand bags as the river rises rapidly and begins flooding in Medicine Hat, Alberta, on Sunday, June 23, 2013.

Homeowner Glenn Tibbles looks at the damage done by floodwaters to his home near downtown Calgary, Alberta, on Sunday, June 23, 2013. About 65,000 residents of Calgary were being allowed to return to their homes Sunday to assess the damage from flooding that has left Alberta's largest city awash in debris and dirty water.

Cpl. Brett Martens from CFB Edmonton helps a resident clear out damaged debris from their home near downtown Calgary, Alberta, on Sunday, June 23, 2013. About 65,000 residents of Calgary were being allowed to return to their homes Sunday to assess the damage from flooding that has left Alberta's largest city awash in debris and dirty water.

A home is inundated with floodwaters on the Siksika First Nation, Alberta, on Sunday, June 23, 2013. Alberta's municipal affairs minister says 27 communities are under a state of emergency as some areas begin to recover from flooding while others are still bracing for it.

People watch as the river rises rapidly and begins flooding in Medicine Hat, Alta., on Sunday, June 23, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Floodwaters inundate homes in Medicine Hat, Alberta, on Sunday, June 23, 2013. Alberta's municipal affairs minister says 27 communities are under a state of emergency as some areas begin to recover from flooding while others are still bracing for it.

Police officers close a bridge as a military helicopter patrols the the area as the river rises rapidly and begins flooding in Medicine Hat, Alberta on Sunday, June 23, 2013.

Homeowner Glenn Tibbles looks at the damage done by flood waters to his home near downtown Calgary, Alta., Sunday, June 23, 2013.

People help a friend move furniture and personal belongings out of his mud-soaked basement near downtown Calgary, Alta., Sunday, June 23, 2013.

Homeowner Glenn Tibbles looks at the damage done by floodwaters to his home near downtown Calgary, Alta., Sunday, June 23, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Cpl. Brett Martens from CFB Edmonton helps a resident clear out damaged debris from their home near downtown Calgary, Alta., Sunday, June 23, 2013.

Residents near downtown Calgary, Alta. load bins with their mud-soaked belongings on Sunday, June 23, 2013.

Nathan and Sarah MacBey carry a suitcase of clean dry clothes from their home after the waters receded in Calgary's southend Saturday, June 22, 2013.

Nathan and Sarah MacBey tour their flooded home for the first time since the waters receded in Calgary's southend Saturday, June 22, 2013.

Furniture is tossed around a flooded home and is seen after the waters receded in Calgary's southend Saturday, June 22, 2013.

Sarah MacBey pauses for a moment as she walks through her flooded home for the first time since the waters receded in Calgary's southend Saturday, June 22, 2013.

Sarah MacBey picks up a mud covered book that she had made for her husband for fathers day as she tours her flooded home for the first time since the waters receded in Calgary's southend Saturday, June 22, 2013.

Sarah MacBey pauses for a moment as she walks through her flooded home for the first time since the waters receded in Calgary's southend Saturday, June 22, 2013.

A house is submerged by flood water at a park near the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta, Canada June 22, 2013. Water levels have dropped slightly today.

This aerial photo shows the Bow River pouring through the Ghost Lake dam near Cochrane, Alberta, Canada on Saturday, June 22, 2013. The Bow flows trough Calgary and heavy rains plus mountain snow melt have caused evacuations and large scale flooding in the city as well as much of Southern Alberta.

The Canadian military sets-up camp near Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada on Saturday, June 22, 2013, as they prepare to help flood ravaged Alberta.

Furniture floats to the top of a set of stairs leading to the basement as lines on the wall show the height of the water before it receded in a home in Calgary's southend Saturday, June 22, 2013.

This undated photo provided by the Calgary Flames shows the inside of the Calgary Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. The Saddledome, home to the National Hockey League's Calgary Flames, was flooded up to the 10th row, leaving the dressing rooms submerged.

This undated photo provided by the Calgary Flames shows the inside of the Calgary Saddledome, in Calgary, Alberta. The Saddledome, home to the National Hockey League's Calgary Flames, was flooded up to the 10th row, leaving the dressing rooms submerged.

A couple is silhouetted as they walk out of their flooded garage near the Elbow River in Calgary, Ab. Saturday, June 22, 2013.

Alberta Premier Alison Redford surveys flood damage in downtown High River, Alta. on Saturday June 22, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

Photographers take photos of destroyed downtown shops in High River, Alta. on Saturday June 22, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

An excavator works on the Cougar Creek bed after it tore through Canmore, Alta., Saturday, June 22, 2013.

A convoy of military vehicles makes its way through a flooded highway before heading in to the flood zone in High River, Alta. on Saturday June 22, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

Military troops are briefed before heading in to the flood zone in High River, Alta. on Saturday June 22, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

Hutterites from the Parkland Colony survey the flood zone in High River, Alta. on Saturday June 22, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

A flooded Calgary Stampede is seen from above, June 22, 2013.

A flooded downtown Calgary is seen from a aerial view of the city Saturday, June 22, 2013.

A flooded downtown Calgary is seen from a aerial view of the city Saturday, June 22, 2013.

A flooded downtown Calgary is seen from a aerial view of the city Saturday, June 22, 2013.

In this aerial photo, the flooded Cougar Creek runs through Canmore, Alberta, on Friday June 21, 2013. Communities throughout southern Alberta are dealing with overflowing rivers that have washed out roads and bridges, inundated homes and turned streets into dirt-brown tributaries. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward)

A man rides his bike as another picks his up in the flooded streets of Calgary, Alberta on Friday June 21, 2013. Alberta's largest city was swamped Friday by floodwaters that submerged much of the lower bowl of the Saddledome hockey arena, displaced tens of thousands of people and forced the evacuation of the downtown core. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward)

A wall is reserved for messages and missing people at the arena in Blackie, Alberta on Friday June 21, 2013 after the Highwood River, overflowed its banks Thursday. The Red Cross is using the arena to house evacuees of the High River flood. Floodwaters that devastated much of southern Alberta left at least two people dead and forced officials in the western Canadian city of Calgary on Friday to order the evacuation of its entire downtown, as the waters reached the 10th row of the city's hockey arena. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jordan Verlage)

Displaced residents sleep on cots at the arena in Blackie, Alberta on Friday June 21, 2013 after the Highwood River, overflowed its banks Thursday. The Red Cross is using the arena to house evacuees of the High River flood. Floodwaters that devastated much of southern Alberta left at least two people dead and forced officials in the western Canadian city of Calgary on Friday to order the evacuation of its entire downtown, as the waters reached the 10th row of the city's hockey arena. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jordan Verlage)

Water rushes through what is left of Lions Park as the Sheep River flows through Okotoks, Alberta on Friday June 21, 2013 after the river overflowed its banks Thursday. The town remains on a flood watch. Floodwaters that devastated much of southern Alberta left at least two people dead and forced officials in the western Canadian city of Calgary on Friday to order the evacuation of its entire downtown, as the waters reached the 10th row of the city's hockey arena. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jordan Verlage)

A home in the community of Bowness is flooded as up to 100,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Calgary, Alberta, on Friday, June 21, 2013. Floodwaters that devastated much of southern Alberta left at least two people dead and forced officials in the western Canadian city of Calgary on Friday to order the evacuation of its entire downtown, as the waters reached the 10th row of the city's hockey arena. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Resident Cody Chatfield drives his lifted 4x4 through his neighborhood looking at the flooded homes in the community of Bowness as up to 100,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Calgary, Alberta, on Friday, June 21, 2013. Floodwaters that devastated much of southern Alberta left at least two people dead and forced officials in the western Canadian city of Calgary on Friday to order the evacuation of its entire downtown, as the waters reached the 10th row of the city's hockey arena. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Water flows past flooded vehicles in the community of Bowness as up to 100,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Calgary, Alberta, on Friday, June 21, 2013. Floodwaters that devastated much of southern Alberta left at least two people dead and forced officials in the western Canadian city of Calgary on Friday to order the evacuation of its entire downtown, as the waters reached the 10th row of the city's hockey arena. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Vehicles are stranded in the flooded streets of Calgary, Alberta on Friday June 21, 2013. Alberta's largest city was swamped Friday by floodwaters that submerged much of the lower bowl of the Saddledome hockey arena, displaced tens of thousands of people and forced the evacuation of the downtown core. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward)

This aerial photo shows the closed Trans-Canada Highway in Canmore, Alberta, on Friday June 21, 2013. Flooding forced the western Canadian city of Calgary to order the evacuation of the entire downtown area on Friday, as the waters reached the 10th row of the citys hockey arena. Communities throughout southern Alberta are dealing with overflowing rivers that have washed out roads and bridges, inundated homes and turned streets into dirt-brown tributaries. About 350,000 people work in downtown Calgary on a typical day. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward)

Residents in the Eagle Terrace neighborhood of Canmore, Alberta, look out over what was the only road into the area on Friday June 21, 2013, after Cougar Creek flooded. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Rocky Mountain Outlook, Craig Douce)

Heavy equipment operators work to keep up with debris, as Cougar Creek pours over the Trans-Canada Highway near Canmore, Alberta on Friday June 21, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Rocky Mountain Outlook, Craig Douce)

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, centre, walks to a waiting helicopter with Alberta Premier Alison Redford, second from right, and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, for an an aerial tour of flooding in Calgary, Alta. Heavy rains have caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuation in Calgary, Alta., Friday, June 21, 2013.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, centre, with Alberta Premier Alison Redford, left, and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, speak to the media with the Calgary skyline and the flooded Bow river behind them on Friday June 21, 2013. Heavy rains have caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuation in Calgary.

Houses damaged along the edge of Cougar Creek are shown June 20, 2013 in Canmore, Alta. Widespread flooding caused by torrential rains washed out bridges and roads prompting the evacuation of thousands.

Residents watch the flooding Cougar Creek as it takes out Eagle Terrace Road and nears the top of the Elk Run Blvd Bridge June 20, 2013 in Canmore, Alta. Widespread flooding caused by torrential rains washed out bridges and roads prompting the evacuation of thousands.

Houses damaged along the edge of Cougar Creek.

A lone truck sits submerged in the flood waters near downtown High River, Alta. on Thursday.

Homes along Cougar Creek in Canmore, Alta. barely hang on as the town struggles to deal with flooding Thursday.

A front end loader carries residents after they were rescued from the flood waters in High River, Alberta.

A kayaker paddles down a flooded street in High River, Alberta on Thursday.

Cars are submerged by the flood waters in High River, Alberta on Thursday.

Kevan Yaets swims after his cat Momo to safety as the flood waters sweep him downstream after submerging his truck in High River, Alberta on Thursday.

A woman is rescued from the flood waters in High River, Alta. on Thursday.

Kevan Yaets crawls out the back window of his pick up truck with his cat Momo as the flood waters sweep him downstream after submerging his truck in High River.

A helicopter carrying residents lands on a road in High River, Alta., Thursday.

Roger Poirier, holds his family's cat, Smartie, as his wife Crystal looks on after rescuing it from their flooded house in High River, Alta., Thursday.

Cars and homes are submerged in flood waters in High River.

Rescuers looks for stranded residents in High River, Alta. on June 20, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

A shot of the homes along Cougar Creek.

Semi truck sit idle to the Trans-Canada Highway in Canmore, Alta. on Thursday June 20, 2013. Calgary and most of southern Alberta are being hammered by rain that has washed-out roads and bridges, caused mudslides and closed major highways.

A video of a house shattering against the bridge during the first day of the 2013 flood in Bragg Creek. I offer my sincerest condolences to those who lost th...

A flooded residence in High river, Alta. Heavy rains have caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuation in High River, Alta., Thursday, June 20, 2013.

A front end loader carries people to safety from the flood waters in High River, Alta. on June 20, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

Kevan Yaets swims after his cat Momo to safety as the flood waters sweep him downstream and submerge the cab in High River, Alberta on June 20, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks. Hundreds of people have been evacuated with volunteers and emergency crews helping to aid stranded residents.

A lone truck sits submerged in the flood waters near downtown High River, Alta. on June 20, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

A resident is comforted by rescuers as she clutches her dog after being retrieved from the flood waters in High River, Alta. on June 20, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

Krystal Lelond of Black Diamond clutches her cat Pipi after being evacuated from her home after the Sheep River overflowed its banks.

An elderly woman is rescued from the flood waters in High River, Alta. on June 20, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

The Bow river swells over its banks in downtown Calgary, Alta. Heavy rains have caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuation in Calgary, Alta., Thursday, June 20, 2013.

Debris and water pours across the Trans-Canada Highway as Canmore struggles with flooding.

A woman wades through the flood waters in High River, Alta. on June 20, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

Flooding in Black Diamond

This is the view of the bridge over the Highwood. Normally there is a couple metres clearance below it.

A kayaker paddles down a flooded street in High River, Alta. on June 20, 2013 after the Highwood River overflowed its banks.

One of several rock slides blocking #hwy40 in Kananaskis. No access to Kananaskis village.

Look at the flooding in #lethbridge !! This street has been shut down

Residents wade through flood waters after an evacuation order following heavy rains caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuation in High River.

The Calgary Stampede rodeo grounds are flooded due to the heavy rains have caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuation in Calgary, Alta., Friday, June 21, 2013.

Calgarians look out over a flooded Calgary Stampede grounds and Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Friday, June 21, 2013. Officials estimated 75,000 people have been displaced in the western Canadian city. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff

A photograph of the back yard of a resident as rising water flooding homes in the community of Bowness as up to 100,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Calgary, Alta., on Friday, June 21, 2013.